Cold Winter Nights

How many of us are tired of this scene? Cold days, cold nights, what's a girl to do?

These sub zero temperatures are just what I need because when the temperature is above twenty degrees, I have a tendency to feel guilty that I should be doing something other than curling up with my laptop in front of the fire. Yet, I long for the days of walking on the beach with sand between my toes.

This weather is far from desirable, but the cold winter nights are a writer's paradise. Love scenes in front of a raging fire. Being stranded in a deserted cabin to shield your loved one from a storm. A Highlander removing his kilt as a makeshift blanket. Och, aye. What was I saying? Oh, yes. The weather can definitely inspire an author.

But sometimes we're fortunate enough when an idea comes out of nowhere. I love those! In my latest novel, To Wed a Wicked Highlander, this was a scene I created in order to torture Lady Sybella MacKenzie. And yes, I had a strong desire to bathe after this one. I was kind enough to leave out the bug scene in the excerpt below. lol

* * *

In the middle of the night, she walked through the darkened halls in her bare feet dressed in nothing more than a nightrail and a blanket. She shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold. The pit was where her father threw the most unsavory of men…until they died. Their faint screams could sometimes be heard from the kitchens. Perhaps her father only had the men escort her to frighten her. Of course, that was it because her sire would never treat her this way. He couldn’t. She was his daughter. The daughter of the MacKenzie laird. A lady.

Sybella quickly pushed back the thought when they descended the cold, damp stairs. The smell overwhelmed her senses, reeking of bodily excrement and making her gag. The guard reached down and lifted the gate from the floor while the other lowered a ladder. They forced her to climb down.

She took one step and tears welled in her eyes. “Please donna do this. I beg ye.”

“We donna question our laird’s command. Please climb down, m’lady.”

With no choice but to descend into the devil’s dungeon, she reached the bottom and the men lifted the ladder. The gate locked over her head and she was embraced by darkness. Muck of unknown origin squeezed between her toes and when she tried to step, she slid and fell into something thick and wet.

She screamed.

The hole was dark and foreboding, and she felt a wretchedness she’d never known before. A raw and primitive grief overwhelmed her. She pulled herself to her feet, and when she slid again on the slimy floor, she sat down.

Sybella felt something move on her lap. She reached down and grabbed a ball of wiry fur, whipping it away from her body. Dear God, her father left her alone with the rats. She gulped hard, hot tears slipping down her cheeks. Perhaps Mary or Colin would hear her.

“Please help me! Please help me! I’m here! I’m here!” she screamed. “Mary! Colin! Help me! Let me out!” When she heard no response, she bellowed, “Mo mhallachd ort!” My curse on you!

When cursing her father didn’t work, Sybella’s tears choked her. Her throat was raw from her screams of terror, her teeth chattered, and her body trembled. A sensation of intense sickness and desolation swept over her.

She jumped.

“Where is the stone, Sybella?” Her father’s voice echoed from above. “Tell me where ’tis and I’ll lower the ladder.”

“Cha leig thu leas.” Don’t bother.

Temptation in a Kilt  2012 RT Reviewers' Choice nominee

X Marks the Scot     2013 RT Reviewers' Choice nominee

To Wed a Wicked Highlander  RT Book Reviews and Night Owl TOP PICK

Thunder, Lightning, Forest Fires and a Tornado

I'll admit that I do spin tales of fiction, but there is no way I could possibly make this up.

The clan and I recently returned from a family vacation in Colorado Springs, CO. For those of you who have never seen this beautiful state, place it on your bucket list!

As our flight traveled from Denver to Colorado Springs, we saw the raging forest fire below that destroyed thousands of acres in the Black Forest. Yep, you guessed it. The fires were in Colorado Springs.

Being from Pennsylvania, this type of natural behavior is not something that we're readily accustomed to and frankly, we were more than a little nervous. We said a silent prayer the fire wouldn't impact our vacation and it didn't, but our hearts certainly went out to the five hundred families who lost their homes. We were somewhat surprised that Colorado natives continued to go about their business as if the fires were a common occurrence. I guess they were. I suppose California natives act the same way about earthquakes.

Our travels took us to Garden of the Gods in which the name spoke for itself.



We also chuckled when we spotted the sign below since the signs in PA normally mention to clean up after your pet. lol

We took the cog train up to the very top of Pikes Peak. Yep, all 14,115 feet above sea level. They even sold oxygen at the train station.

That night, when we arrived back at the hotel, one of the hotel staff had asked me what we did that day. I told her that we had a great time taking the cog train up to Pikes Peak and a strange look crossed her face. She said, "Oh, please tell me your train was not the one that got struck by lightning today."

Thankfully, the Roberts family had managed to avoid the fires and did not get struck by lightning.

On another day, we traveled to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and we still hadn't had any rain. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze in the air, a great day for visiting the zoo.

Yeah, well, let me tell you that mountain weather is totally unpredictable. Within minutes, rain, thunder, and it poured buckets! At least we saw most of the zoo.

We were stuck under a small roof for over a half an hour, but we were so thankful because we knew the rain would help the Colorado firefighters. As soon as the rain had quit pelting us, we made a mad dash to the car. Imagine our surprise when a huge crowd stood at the entrance to the zoo for tickets in the rain. I turned to my husband and asked him if they were nuts. We get in the car, I back out, and guess what folks? You got it. The clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun was blinding. Grrr...

During our vacation, I even managed to swing by two Barnes and Noble bookstores and both stores were sold out of X Marks the Scot. Woot! So I signed stock of Temptation in a Kilt. I found myself in the romance section in both stores and turned out the covers of my Sourcebooks sisters and "rearranged" them in a prime location.

When we arrived back at the hotel that night, we found out a tornado touched down at the Denver airport. Seriously. I didn't think Colorado was that dangerous.

The highlight of our vacation had to be the wolves. Yep, you heard me right. Wolves. My daughter has been forever fascinated with all-things wolves. Imagine her surprise when her awesome mother paid for her to get her picture taken with a wolf pup.

Priceless...

Through thunder, lightning, forest fires and a tornado, emerged a wonderful family vacation that I know we will always hold dear. 

What about you? What is the best family vacation you have ever taken?

Readers Choice Contest

Wednesday, April 17th, I'll pick another random newsletter subscriber to win either an autographed copy of Temptation in a Kilt and Laird Ciaran MacGregor's Bad Boy t-shirt or X Marks the Scot and Declan MacGregor's Bad Boy t-shirt. 

Not a member? Not a problem. Join my newsletter at www.victoriarobertsauthor.com for a chance to pick your favorite bad boy!

Sold! + Giveaway

You read it right. Sold! This author couldn't be happier. Sourcebooks has blessed me again by offering another contract on a new series.

I have to admit that I'm a little sad saying farewell to Ciaran, Declan and Alexander, especially since a lot of readers have been begging me to write James Montgomery's story. But who knows what the future holds? Perhaps James will surface again. 

My career has definitely taken some unexpected turns. Who would've thought Temptation in a Kilt would be nominated for a RT Reviewers Choice award for Best First Historical? And who would've believed X Marks the Scot received a Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews and a 4 1/2 star review from RT? Honestly, not me! This is quite a delightful surprise. 

But ask me what the most exciting part of my career has been thus far, and I will tell you the readers. I have received some of the most heartfelt messages from fans who thank me for sharing my talent and tell me to never stop writing. I find myself much like the scene in Harry Potter where Hagrid tells Harry he's a wizard and Harry replies, "But I'm just...Harry." That's exactly how I feel. 

Whether it's speaking to members of an adorable book club...

Fans who are grateful for my giveaways...

Hitting the Amazon bestseller list...

 

Signing with Nora Roberts...

I couldn't enjoy this rollercoaster ride without the support of family, friends and fans.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander, Alexander MacDonell's story (Rosalia's cousin from Glengarry) is scheduled for release September 2013.  

Look for more information on the Royal Rebellion series coming soon. The first book is tentatively titled My Highland Spy.  

Short Blurb:

Lady Ravenna Walsingham, working as a spy for the Crown, poses as a governess in the Scottish Highlands, but she soon discovers Laird Ruairi Sutherland has plenty of troubles of his own besides plotting against the king.

I hope readers enjoy the new series and tag along with me on this exciting ride!

Answer the question below for a chance to win an autographed copy of X Marks the Scot and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt. Winner will be announced next Friday. Please don't forget to leave your e-mail address. Thank YOU, readers!  

Ciaran or Declan?

Nuts About Nora and Gaga for Grace

I had another wonderful opportunity to return to Turn the Page Bookstore for Girls' Night Out yesterday.

Rather than having a formal book signing, the authors had the chance to chat with readers and other authors. When my daughter and I arrived, we met 10 year-old author McKenzie Betts who wrote Blue Bear Finds a Rainbow. In the picture below, McKenzie is signing her book for my niece.

She will be the next Nora Roberts before you know it! 

Fellow Marsal Lyon Literary Agency sister Erika Robuck returned with her beautiful novel, Hemingway's Girl. Erika is truly the epitome of grace and character, and she's quickly becoming my hero. And since it's a small world in which we live, Erika and I met agency sister Melissa Foster, Chasing Amanda.

 

After chatting several times on-line, I finally met Anita Clenney, Awaken the Highland Warrior. 

One of the highlights of the night for me had to be when fellow Sourcebooks author Grace Burrowes walked into the room. I immediately scoffed up Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight for her to sign for my CP (critique partner.)

After I told Grace I was star-struck, she laughed and said, "Oh, please. Two years ago I wasn't even published." She certainly made me feel comfortable, and let me just say that Grace Burrowes is awesome! I met Grace Burrowes! *jumping up and down*

I picked up a new novel from K. R. Flanagan called Thane: The Fae Prince of Fir Manach and I can't wait to dig into that one. K. R. Flanagan was very charming and I can't wait to see what comes next from this author. 

The readers were phenomenal. I was honored that Alison Rush drove two hours to see me. Of course I hooked her up with some serious Bad Boy swag. Alison and readers like Alison make this journey all worth while. I thank you for reading Temptation in a Kilt. As long as you keep reading, I'll keep writing. ;-)

And the night could not be complete without once again chatting it up with the infamous, the multi-talented, Nora Roberts.

 

Please do not wake me from this dream...

Sold Out with Nora Roberts



The words every author wants to hear...

Yesterday, I had the honorable privilege of participating in a book signing with Nora Roberts/JD Robb, Eloisa James, Maya Banks, Erica Robuck and Lora Leigh at Turn the Page Bookstore in Boonsboro, MD.

My son and I arrived at 11:15a.m. and immediately received a pleasant greeting from Nora and her office manager, Janeen. I was asked to sign a couple of pre-order copies, literally two, while Nora signed hers, literally--well, a lot. Janeen told me that any books I didn't sell would need to be signed for Turn the Page so they could mail out any additional orders.

Nervously, I prepared my table. MacGregor tartan tablecloth, bookmarks, postcards, newsletter book, sharpies, t-shirts, kilt cookies, check. I was ready to rock and roll.

I met some fabulous authors. Erica Robuck was also a debut author and a fellow agency sister from Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She was there showcasing her new novel, Hemingway's Girl. And of course we had to get our picture taken again with Nora!

With the initial set-up complete, Janeen told all of the authors that normally 150 readers come to the event. That didn't happen. We had 250 turn out! I knew this was going to be an exciting day. And I wasn't wrong.

   

I nervously signed Temptation in a Kilt for my first reader, and my son and I quickly developed a system. I'd sign, my son inserted the bookmark and handed the reader a kilt cookie. We passed them out like hotcakes. And then it slowed down a bit.

When the line wasn't moving and a couple of readers passed us by, my son said, "I didn't give them a cookie."

I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "They didn't buy Mommy's book."

His eyes widened, he leaned back and said a little louder, "That sucks! You're book is really good. How come they're not buying it?" I was just about to answer him when he whipped his head around and said again, loudly, "Hey, look! I see they have it, and they have it, and they have it."

Out of the mouths of babes. We definitely had some interesting experiences.

A man came up to the table and asked my little man, "Do you recommend your Mom's book?"

My little lad hesitated (not understanding the word "recommend" at 7 years old) and shook his head--no. I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer... Fortunately, the man laughed and bought the book for his wife.

I met some downright charming people. Everyone was very nice, and even if they didn't buy the book, they offered congratulations on the accomplishment. I heard some great stories and met some great people. One moment in particular stands out.

There was a charming older woman who traveled from Cape Cod with her daughters to the event. To be honest, I've never laughed so hard in my life. The woman proceeded to tell me that she came to Nora's signing last year. Apparently, she made quite the impression with Nora the last time she was here. The woman walked up to Nora, looked her straight in the eye and said, "It's about time I get to finally meet my favorite author--Danielle Steel."

Nora, ever the professional, laughed it off and said, "No matter how famous you become people always mistake you for someone else."

Two hours into the signing, all of the books on my table sold. Janeen promptly brought me the remainder of the stock. My son and I stacked up the remainder of the books and the ritual continued.

My kin played a huge part in this event. My Dad told the ladies that he was the male cover model on my book and Sourcebooks photo shopped his head. My sister was outside and told readers that her author-sister was in there signing her first novel. My daughter wore her Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt and walked around the bookstore. And my son sat diligently by my side, sporting his kilt. 

When we were down to the last hour, I ran out of books. Since I'm my mother's daughter, I always over-prepare. I pulled out my personal stash of Temptation in a Kilt that I brought from home. And there it was. They were ALL GONE! SOLD OUT! The bookstore's and my own!

Janeen walked by and discreetly gave me the thumbs up as the last reader walked through the line. There were no books left over for me to sign. I did it. My debut novel. My first book signing and it's with Nora Roberts. I SOLD OUT!!!!!

At the end of the day, I walked up to Nora and thanked her profusely for having me. When she found out I sold out of Temptation in a Kilt she said, "I'm really happy for you."

Then I said, "Oh, and I need to thank you for something else."

Nora's expression became puzzled. "And what's that?"

"Thanks to you, I'm right next to you on the shelf."

Nora laughed and said, "I'm glad I could help you out."

I will never forget this experience of a lifetime. "All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."--Walt Disney. 

Release Day

It's finally here. Release day for Temptation in a Kilt.

As I unleashed my new baby into the world, I took a step back, realizing my emotions were so out of whack. Frankly, I don't know how debut authors do it. How can one feel excited, thrilled, joyful and scared to death all at the same time? Seriously. If anyone knows, please fill me in.

"Get a grip, Roberts." That's what I keep telling myself over and over.

I know one thing for certain. My heart and soul went into this book and I hold my head high with pride. It touches me dearly when a reader takes the time to send me a personal note to tell me how much this book touched them. And you know what? That one reader makes it totally worth the ride. 

I'd like to thank the following people for their support.

Sabrina Jeffries, for making me realize it’s never too late to try something new.

Hannah Howell, for her support while I was bogged down in synopsis hell.

Eliza Knight, for giving me the courage to put myself out there.

To my agent, Jill Marsal, for her endless support and encouragement.

To my editor, Deb Werksman, for giving me a chance.

To my critique partner, Mary Grace, there are really no words to express the tremendous amount of gratitude I hold for you. All those times I ruffled your feathers about having your nose planted in a book, even when you walk… For your brutal honesty and endless reads, your unwavering support and encouragement, these Bad Boys came to life. Thank you for believing in me.
 

To my family, for their unwavering support and dedication to this Bad Boy. For my son, who understood at such a young age that Mommy was editing. For my daughter, the only Gaelic-speaking lass in the fifth grade. And for my husband, who makes dinners countless nights. I could not ask for a more encouraging bunch. I love you all, and you have my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. I could have never done this without you. 

  

Mom, Dad and Michelle, thank you for believing in me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you or miss you, Mom. I hope I made you proud.

 

Thanks for helping me spread the word, and I'm raising a cyber glass of champagne to all of you.

RT Book Reviews and a Whisper of Faith

The clan and I recently returned from a much needed vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC. If you're like me, getting back into the working groove can be somewhat grueling. While I was beach bound, I took my laptop to check e-mails because nothing irks me more than coming back from a break with 200 e-mails to sort through. Grr...

As a debut author, everything is new for me. Between working through editorial comments, copy/edits, galleys, ARC's (Advance Reader Copies) sometimes it's a little unnerving because you don't know what to expect. Since Temptation in a Kilt is virtually ready to go for its September 1st release, I now swim the uncharted waters of editorial and reader reviews. That being said, when I received an e-mail from Sourcebooks on vacation and they advised me that RT Book Reviews posted a review of Temptation in Kilt, my eyes widened, I literally froze and my stomach knotted tighter than a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

I read the following caption from my publisher. 
RT Rating: 4 Star Review
"Roberts' debut novel will charm fans of Scottish romance. Her love of Scottish history and Highland heroes is quite evident in the fast-moving plot. Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual, believable romance, this book captivates the reader immediately. Definitely an author whose next book will be eagerly awaited by her readers."

My family was thrilled. My sister and brother-in-law were so excited and my Dad's eyes bordered on tears. He gave me a hug and said, "Your mother would be so proud of you."

Thoroughly ecstatic, I truly thought that was the end of it. Imagine my complete surprise when I started getting e-mails from my chapters telling me I was in September's issue of RT Book Reviews. I assumed it was the review that Sourcebooks told me about and gave polite thank-you's to my writing clan. When one of my chapter sister's said that I polluted the pages of RT in a good way, I rushed out to Barnes and Noble and bought the latest issue.

It all started on page 17 where I was listed in First Books in a New Series Launch.

Victoria Roberts
BAD BOYS OF THE HIGHLANDS
Temptation in a Kilt

That was awesome. Who doesn't love seeing their name in print? As I scrolled through the magazine, my breath hitched on page 32.

The top section indicated my RT review rating, 4, Victoria Roberts, TEMPTATION IN A KILT, 9781402270062, Sourcebooks. I thought that was sort of neat and then I glanced down.

OMG! Is that MY book cover in the corner? WHAT is going on?

The caption says, "K.I.S.S. (es) for SEPTEMBER Knights in Shining Silver."

Among the heroes of Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Kieran Kramer, Anna Randol, Nina Rowan, Sara Luck, and Margaret McPhee is me, Victoria Roberts. There were cute captions such as "Eloisa James' James Ryburn knows a confident woman isn't The Ugly Duchess."


I kept reading to find "Victoria Roberts' hero, Ciaran MacGregor, embodies honor, sensuality and Temptation in a Kilt."

OK. By this time, I'm jumping up and down. I didn't know this was going into the magazine. And then came page 38.

Tears strolled down my cheeks and all I could say was, "I did it, Mom!"

To some, this may seem trivial. To me, it meant the world. I finally found myself on this side of 40-ish. The memory of my mother on her deathbed holding my hand and talking to me about my book, so proud, so loving, telling me she would be there for me. Always. It touched a special place in my heart. So this is for you, Mom! 

In honor of my first good review and in memory of my Mom, I will give away a signed ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one random commenter. Just tell me your favorite memory of your mother. Winner will be announced Monday, August 6th. (US and Canada only, please.)

Kilted Bliss!

Look what arrived in my mailbox! I just placed my hands on my first baby! Sorry if you heard me scream (again!)

I cannot tell you the feeling of accomplishment, the sense of completion, the thrill of the moment, touching my first completed book.

The ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies) have arrived for Temptation in a Kilt. In celebration of this moment, I am giving away a free ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one lucky commenter. 

All you have to do is enter a comment below, including your e-mail address, and I will select one random winner. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the name of the winner!

Temptation in a Kilt Back Cover Blurb

It's here! I just received my back cover blurb for Temptation in a Kilt. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

She’s on her way to safety

It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that

she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging

as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about

hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master

of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is

completely beyond her control…

He redefines dangerous…

Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get

embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as

headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise

to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck

with her, even though she challenges his legendary

prowess at every opportunity. When temptation

reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he

really is…on and off the battlefield.

What do you think?

Jimmy Thomas, a Book Signing and a Little Lad in Training

What in the world does Jimmy Thomas, a book signing and a little lad in training have in common? Yep, I thought the same thing.

I've posted several times before about the wonderful sayings that come out of the mouths of babes. And just when I think nothing else would surprise me, bang, there it is.

It all started when Temptation in a Kilt was published. As every author would do, I privately reflected and asked myself, "What if this is a NYT Bestseller? What if this is a USA Today Bestseller? OMG! What if it's both? Wait, reality is sinking in... What if it gets really bad reviews and bombs?" *shaking head and clearing out negative thoughts*

When things start to bother me, I like to talk instead of keeping all of my musings inside to fester. I started talking to my kids about how I would promote the book. We talked about promotional items, what I would take to the book signing, etc. You know--anything to lighten said dark thoughts.

My daughter smirks and says, "Boy, it's too bad you can't have Jimmy Thomas attend. How great would that be to help you sell your book?"

For those of you that don't know, Jimmy is the Highlander gracing my website and blog and also the Highlander in the Temptation in a Kilt book trailer.

Of course I agree with my daughter. How could I not?

Right on cue, my son says, "I'll do it. Buy me a kilt and I'll do it. But... I will only do it if you buy me the shirt, shoes and dagger. I want to look like a Highlander. Then I can pass out your bookmarks and say, "Thank you for buying my Mom's book." And I swear this was entirely my little lad's idea. Both of my kids are verra proud of Mom.

As any mother/author of Scottish historical romance would do, I ordered my little lad the complete Scottish get-up from Heritage of Scotland. 

And it arrived...

I can admit that I may be a wee bit partial. But I think my son will do great at the book signing! What do you think? A future Highland laird mayhap?

Temptation in a Kilt

Did you hear the scream? Sorry, it was me! Imagine my surprise when I opened an e-mail from my wonderful editor and saw... this! Who wouldn't?

It's official and I'm telling the world.

Coming September 2012 from Sourcebooks Casablanca is my debut novel, Temptation in a Kilt. This is Book 1 of my Bad Boys of the Highlands series.

Please excuse me while I pop open a bottle of champagne and raise my glass to the Highland hotty that graces my first cover...

This is a verra fine day indeed.